To celebrate the occasion an open day and morning tea were held at the centre.

Publicity officer Pat Caskie said the committee were very pleased with the event.

“The turn out was very good, we were very happy with it,” she said

“A large number of volunteers and townspeople turned up to join in the celebration, as well as some fresh faces who had never set foot in the Centre before. 

“That was very satisfying,” Mrs Caskie said.

Secretary and Treasurer Betti Punnett echoed her colleague’s delight.

“We are very pleased with ourselves,” she said.

“It has not been easy, it has been a lot of hard work for all those involved, as most things are, but we are very proud of our Heritage Centre.”

The Heritage Centre began in 2001, fuelled by the council’s decision to undertake the Centenary of Federation Project.

A project for the Centenary of Federation, a town meeting was held to determine the best way to commemorate it. 

A public survey went out with the town rates so that everyone had the chance to vote. 

They received a number of suggestions from the community, with a local museum the most popular.

Someone who played an integral role in the creation of the Heritage Centre is Miss Punnett who was described as “the glue that holds us together” by a committee member.

The Heritage Centre is a product of hard work and the committee is very appreciative of all the support it’s received. 

The committee thanked the diligent volunteers, those who come in with stories of family who have ties to the town and its rich history and especially the Council for its contribution.